Articles - Notes from the Cabin (1). Winter hills from the window.
This is the first in a series of articles written from our part-time home in the Highlands of Scotland. I have been visiting the Highlands for many years and love this part of Britain which has some truly wild places that have inspired lots of photographers. I was delighted when we were able to buy our cabin here a few years ago; the beauty of the Highlands never ceases to inspire, however many times we visit.
After the long drive north, arriving at the Cabin is always a great joy. Unlocking the door after a period of absence and being reminded of home is a good feeling; the fresh smell of varnished wood, the instant familiarity of our things, pictures on the walls, CDs and books not heard or read for some time, the Harris Tweed covered armchair, the log burning stove waiting for a match to lift the chill of the place, and the Cabin mascot who has patiently awaited our return. Anticipation is nerve tingling and we are always glad to be back in our Highland home, (we often celebrate with a dram!)
In winter we often complete the whole journey in darkness, and the nights can be pitch-black at this time of year. We are aware of the danger of red deer on the road, danger to us and danger for these magnificent animals. Approaching Drumochter we wonder how much snow is on the hills and on bright moonlit nights snowy hills can be radiant.
Morning light answers the questions about snow cover and I must say we get quite excited when there is a good covering. The Einich Hills, directly opposite the Cabin, usually catch the early winter snow. 
These hills can glow in late afternoon winter light, and changes of light and shadow provide a constant source of interest and attraction. I feel that the telephoto images concentrate the viewer on the hill shapes and light by cutting out forest detail as well as unwanted high tension lines that can spoil a good picture. Opposite the Cabin are the hills of Einich and Feshie. They have long, high ridges and in one place the distinctive 
Argyll Stone, a granite tor, can be seen as a pimple on the distant skyline. The Einich hills are wild and less visited than the mighty 4,000 footers of The Cairngorms.
All the images here were taken from the Cabin using Velvia or digital capture with a 100-400mm IS lens and occasionally a 0.6 grad filter. A beanbag is often used as a camera support on the fence outside. I was advised that sunflower seeds make the best filling for beanbags!
Winter snow often speckles the hills opposite us from September onwards and the progress of winter can be seen as the hills become whiter and the snow patches get bigger as they are added to. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast is essential before setting out for the hills in winter but not so vital 
when you are taking photographs from your sitting room or bedroom window! Storm clouds make for good strong images and, when viewed from indoors, the look of the wintry forest and hill can give a warm feeling of security.
We often see squalls chasing up Strath Spey plastering the Monadliaths with snow. One location just behind the Cabin has a few Scot’s pine that give contrast in colour and shape, the slender isolated black trees and the white rugged mass of the steep craggy hillsides. Snowy scenes have been quite rare this winter and the Cairngorms do not get the accumulations of snow they once did. When it does come it is good to get out with the camera and attempt to get some strong, contrasty images. I have learnt to keep my camera batteries warm, it is easy to do this by carrying the camera under your jacket. Cold temperatures can render your camera useless and spoil potentially good picture taking opportunities. This causes great frustration, especially with wildlife subjects.
Winter in the highlands of Scotland can give really good photographic opportunities. Images will show the stark beauty of hill, forest and glen as winter light is often very dramatic. I’m sure you will get unique pictures because, after all, you don’t often see photographers about when conditions are cold and snowy.
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